HC Deb 21 March 1995 vol 257 c153W
Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance his Department has issued to the British Rail Board relating to employment by the shadow rail franchise companies of lobbying firms in the run-up to rail privatisation. [14534]

Mr. Watts

None. The employment of lobbying firms is a matter for the British Railways Board.

Mr. Donohoe

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what lobbying companies are currently employed by the British Railways Board and the six shadow rail franchise companies; and what is the value and duration of these contracts. [14535]

Mr. Watts

British Rail currently retains Westminster Communications Group Limited as consultants for strategic advice on political and parliamentary issues but not for the general purpose of lobbying Parliament. Union Railways, currently a BR subsidiary, employs the Public Policy Unit in a similar capacity.

Contract duration and costs are a matter for the British Railways Board.